In a message dated 12/31/2003 2:09:23 PM Central Standard Time, lors01@msn.com writes:

<< If I get you right you are suggesting that we do away with the rotor  housing to header gasket?  Just make sure the header is damn flat on  that surface and use RTV?  What kind of heat can that stuff take?

Incidentally, I would like to take a minute to thank you for the time  and effort you have taken to literally educate some of those of us on  the list (myself included) about the many things mechanical and rotary  that you have experienced.  It is appreciated more than you know.  A lot  of us will be safer because of your efforts.

Any list has a lot of BS ... but when I see your name on the sender  line, it always gets read!

Good Luck in the upcoming 2004 season, both racing and flying,

Dale Smith

 >>

The RTV can withstand quite a bit of temp. How much I do not know. It is not exposed to much, because it is clamped tight to the aluminum on the rotor housings. Also the compressed film of RTV has almost no thickness. Nothing much is exposed to the exhaust. There are some RPM where there is some exhaust pressure at this junction. But most of the time, it is below ambient, so you are sealing out cool air, not sealing in exhaust pressure. Until you add a muffler.

And thank you for your support. For the as yet unspoiled, anytime any of you get close to Columbus Ohio, give us a call and stop in. You can assemble an engine if you want, or go to a race with us or rebuild a transmission. Or, press in a bearing. Engage in whatever is going on.

There is a confidence problem that must be faced when we strike out in a new area. Engines in general are not very complex assemblies. Rotaries are boringly uncomplex. Once you put one together and hear it run for the first time, there is a thrill like a kid on Christmas morning. A big chill runs up your back and causes a massive grin to form on your face, that goes on for hours. There is laughing and fast animated talking for a number of hours. I still get that feeling.

Be sure to establish that there is oil pressure. Then coolant flow. There is just nothing like it.

If you can remember trying to learn how to pedal a two wheeler without the helper wheels. Half a day goes by and you can steer but not pedal, Then you can pedal and forget to steer. .....................And then a light goes on way in the back of your little mind, and off you go...........................riding a two wheeler. That is the same feeling you will get when an engine you build comes to life the first time.

But, I run on again.

Lynn E. Hanover